Influence of the process parameters on the microstructure of screen-printed Ba{sub}0.6Sr{sub}0.4TiO{sub}3 (BST60) thick-films on alumina substrates

摘要

This article briefly discusses some aspects of the influence of process parameters on the microstructure of screen-printed BST60 thick-films on polycristalline alumina substrates. The focus of the experiments is directed towards the reduction of porosity by means of preparation without using sintering additives or composite techniques. The influence of paste composition, sintering temperature, cold isostatic compaction and microwave sintering on the morpholgy of the thick-films has been examined. The conclusion drawn from these results is that the porosity of the films cannot be reduced by variation of paste composition or sintering temperature alone. Cold isostatic compaction of the green films leads to an improved homogeneity of the films, but not to a considerable reduction of porosity.